Major Players

1. Zarantz: Completely outclassed in the Railway last week and I’m sure connections only used that race as a fitness run. Out to 2100m is more to his liking and he fits the profile of the type of roughie that has won in the past.

4. Tonto: Winner of the key lead up race the Ascot Gold Cup. This distance is ideal and he closed off strongly last start. History is against the winner of the Ascot Gold Cup and he looks well exposed with 31 starts under his belt so not convinced he’s a value bet.

9. Bedamijo: A narrow second to Tonto in the Ascot Gold Cup after being allowed to slide to the front. Will be thereabouts but not convinced there’s much upside coming into Saturday’s race.

10. Dark Alert: Over-raced at stages in the Ascot Gold Cup and held ground running 1.8 lengths. Will improve again up to the 2100m but again can’t see major improvement.

12. Properantes: Looks well placed here although does come through the York Cup as opposed to the Ascot Gold Cup. Finished off strongly at York over 1500m and steps up to 2100m where he has raced well, albeit at benchmark grade. Has previously attempted Stakes grade and was competitive with Bedamijo on the 23rd of December 2015. Appeals as the value bet in a pretty average contest.

Major Players

1. Terravista: A fantastic return in the Mumm Stakes (Listed) when a fast finishing second to Redzel who had the benefit of the outside fence. Very solid formlines over his previous two preps however his best runs have been up the Flemington straight. His biggest issue is his position on the map and if he can overcome that he’s a winning chance. Expect him to drift from early markets.

2. Malaguerra: Second to Star Turn in the Schillaci and held off the fast finishing and highly promising Spieth in the Darley Classic. This looks like two of the best formlines in Australian sprinting and he gets every favour tucked in behind a hot speed and has proven multiple times he can accelerate off a strong tempo. Only bad luck will stop him winning here.

3. Takedown: A lovely big striding horse for trainer Gary Moore. Has won twice at Group 2 level in Sydney before racing well at Group 3 level in Melbourne. Will need luck to get across from the draw but is the type of horse that should handle the conditions well. He’s progressive and I’m keen to make him my second best result in the race.

4. Rock Magic: Looks the pick of the locals after a strong showing (2nd) in the Colonel Reeves Stakes at Group 3. Steps up to 1200m which looks ideal and will handle the hot conditions which is a big plus. Just not sure how much extra improvement he has in him and I suspect he needs to run to a career PB to win.

10. State Solicitor: Has taken all before him winning his last seven starts. He won softly getting home hard off a slow tempo. If he can keep in touch off a strong tempo he’s a big chance to finish all over the top of them. To do that he needs to smash his career PB. Looks primed for this and I’m very wary of him.